AP, A-Level, IB, and CLEP Credit

The University of Wisconsin–Madison grants advanced credit for the successful completion of college–level course work while in high school and for high achievement on Advanced Placement (AP), GCE Advanced Level (A-Level), International Baccalaureate (IB), and College–Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams.

Credits earned may be awarded toward general education requirements, degree requirements, or elective credit. The purpose of awarding advanced credit is to recognize advanced high–quality work, to preclude the duplication of courses, and to provide increased flexibility for students who wish to complete two majors, earn a certificate, or graduate early.

Students will not receive credit for multiple exams that award credit for the same or similar content. These policies are subject to changes and updates pending review by academic departments and the Office of Admissions and Recruitment.

We award course exemptions and college credit to students with exam scores of 3, 4, or 5. To earn AP credit, students must have their official AP grade report sent directly to the Office of Admissions and Recruitment from the College Board. Our AP code is 1846. Review the chart below to see how AP credit will be awarded.

* In some schools and colleges, it is possible to earn retroactive language credits for prior work completed in a foreign language. Contact the language department to learn more about retroactive credits and to determine which type of credit (AP or retroactive) will best meet your needs.

** A maximum of 9 credits will be awarded between AP Calculus AB, AB Subscore, and BC.

† Students may earn credit for either AP Physics 1 & 2 or AP Physics EM & M, but not both.

††Those students asked to take the ESLAT placement exam must have their Communication Part A requirement satisfied through completion of ESL 118.

In many cases, students may receive advanced standing credit for some A-level exams. After a student has been admitted, the Office of Admissions and Recruitment will perform an official evaluation of credit for A-Level exam results. In order to grant the credit, we require an official copy of the A-Level exam certificate from the examination board. Credits will not be posted from Results Slips or internal school transcripts. Review the chart below to see how A-Level credit will be awarded. Examinations not listed in this chart will be evaluated by the Office of Admissions and Recruitment for appropriate advanced standing credit.

Results of IB examinations are evaluated for academic credit. Advanced standing credit is awarded for scores of 4-7 on the higher level (HL) exams. Students who receive an IB Diploma with a minimum score of 28 are eligible for 3 additional elective credits. IB transcripts must be sent directly to the Office of Admissions and Recruitment from the International Baccalaureate Organization. Review the chart below to see how IB credit will be awarded.

* In some schools and colleges, it is possible to earn retroactive language credits for prior work completed in a foreign language. Contact the language department to learn more about retroactive credits and to determine which type of credit (IB or retroactive) will best meet your needs.

** Those students asked to take the ESLAT placement exam must have their Communication Part A requirement satisfied through completion of ESL 118.

CLEP allows students who have gained knowledge through independent study, advanced high school courses, noncredit adult courses, or professional development to take examinations for possible college credit. Students must earn a minimum score of 65 and take CLEP exams before completing 16 semester hours of college credit in order to receive credit. Review the chart below to see how CLEP credit will be awarded.

CLEP Exam

Min. Score

Credit/Course Equivalent

American Government

65

3 credits, political science electives

American Literature

65

3 credits, English literature electives

Analyzing and Interpreting Literature

65

3 credits, English electives

Biology

65

3 credits, biology electives

Calculus

65

3 credits, math electives

English Literature

65

3 credits, English literature electives

Humanities

65

3 credits, humanities electives

Principles of Macroeconomics*

65

3 credits, economics electives

Principles of Microeconomics*

65

3 credits, economics electives

Natural Sciences

65

3 credits, natural science electives

Introduction to Psychology

65

3 credits, psychology electives

Social Sciences and History

65

3 credits, social studies electives

Introduction to Sociology

65

3 credits, sociology electives

*Credit will be awarded for only one economics exam (Macroeconomics or Microeconomics).